venturing4th: Lake Minnewanka

We're beginning to learn how to interpret the various hiking guide books and maps that we have. One of the authors, Tim Jensen, The Best Day Hikes in the Canadian Rockies, from the Netherlands, has some interesting perspectives on the capabilities of the hikers he is writing for. But then, I'll bet he didn't have two grandparent-aged seniors in mind when he was assigning the level of difficulty and précis of his described hikes. For instance, today's hike -

This trail on the north shore of Lake Minnewanka is perfect for a relaxed and easy-going half day
hike in a beautiful setting. This trail is also a great place for a family with young children....

This was our experience. Almost 11 miles in length. Tim says 3 - 4 hrs; it took us 5 hrs and 43 mins. Tim says "Easy"; we say more "moderate". But, both Tim and we think that it was a beautiful hike. Of course the fact that we had perfect weather all day may have influenced our assessment - it was our best day, in terms of the weather, we have experienced in Banff.

Here are the pictures -

This picture, and the next one, is taken from the Stewart Canyon Bridge. This is towards the mountains where the stream originates, and...

this one, down the canyon, toward Lake Minnewanka.

Along the trail, halfway down the lake - looking southeast and...

looking northwest.

At the end of the lake the trail turns north to Aylmer Pass and Lookout, an active grizzly bear habitat. From mid July till the end of October, the bears are attracted by the many Buffalo- and Grouse berries in the area. Beginning in mid-July we will not disturb the bears or hike up the Aylmer Pass trail.

The end of the lake where we paused for a protein bar or two.

Right behind the beach where we rested. Note the beautiful Aspen trees.

Frederick looks as if he is lounging on a beach chair. In actuality he is sitting on a log. The lake is one of the deepest lakes of the Canadian Rockies. The deep water gives the lake its intense dark blue color.

If we continued on the Aylmer Pass trail we would cross these meadows (where the grizzles live).

On the trail back. It was a beautiful trail, just as I picture in my mind what a mountain trail should be.

We passed many of these flowers on the trail. If they were in Rhode Island I would say they were "beach roses", just what they looked and smelled like.